The recent history of conflict in Northern Ireland has left its mark on the whole society and few would argue that quick fix solutions can be found to address its multiple legacies.
Significant political progress has been achieved. Violence and the threat of violence have greatly reduced and there are indications that people are increasingly willing to break down the long held barriers of mistrust and fear between, and within, communities.
Yet much work remains to be done. Northern Ireland remains a deeply divided society, polarised along some of the most institutionalised and embedded of structures - housing, education, social and religious life, sporting and cultural activities - while the evidence points to the expressed desire of many that this were not the case.
Progressing good relations and reconciliation in post-agreement Northern Ireland